by wendy | May 5, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships
You may have heard me talk about my routine of journaling where I have seen God at work each week, but what I don’t often mention is that sometimes it is difficult to find something to write down. I know that God is working in my life, but I don’t always feel His presence. The wonderful thing about keeping a record though, is that I can easily look back through the weeks and read about all the ways He has been present in the past. Remembering gives me confidence to know that He is there and working – even when I don’t see it. As the Scripture (Romans 8:31) says, “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
My pastor, Jason, preached on Isaiah 40 this week and he highlighted the transcendent (above and beyond) and immanent (present and close) nature of God. Understanding these qualities encourages me in complimentary ways. When I recognize that God is bigger than any problem I can have, I am confident in His ability to protect me. When I contemplate the way that God cares for me personally, I feel seen and loved.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;”
Isaiah 40:11
There are many days that I feel lost and confused in this world. When I turn my eyes to God and remember that He always knows the way, the joy and peace of being a child of God returns.
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD, with him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Psalm 16:8,11
Though you may not see or feel God’s presence today, spend some time reflecting on the ways that God is present with us.
God is Present through his Peace
We can experience God’s peace when we turn our worries over to Him.
“The LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
God is Present through His Spirit
As believers, we have the gift of God’s Spirit living within us.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
1 Corinthians 6:19
“This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.”
1 John 4:13
God is Present through His Word
Meditating on Scripture seats us in the presence of God.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
“My comfort in my suffering is this; Your promise preserves my life.”
Psalm 119:50
God is Present through his People
We can usher others into the presence of God through prayer and by using the gifts he has given us.
“Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
God is Present through Jesus
God wants us to know His presence so much that He sent His son Jesus to be with us – in person! Immanuel literally means God with us. In Jesus, God made a way for us – sinners – to be with Him – holy and perfect.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (God with us).”
Matthew 1:23
“Therefore , brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and the full assurance that faith brings.”
Hebrews 10:19-22
How do you experience the presence of God?
by wendy | Apr 30, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God
I have a confession. This likely will not be a surprise for those of you that know me well, but I am not a tidy gardener. I love perennials, and I especially enjoy collecting them from friends. I have plants in my flower gardens that I have carried through 5 moves. It brings me great joy to divide the plants, move them around in my yard, and to share them with others. Sadly, while I treasure the plants I collect, I don’t keep good records of what I have planted and where. This can make for a fun surprise when I watch them emerge and bloom in the spring – it is a little like an unexpected visit from an old friend!
The bad part of my negligence is that I don’t always know what is popping up each spring. Occasionally I lose plants because I mistake them for weeds – and that is what almost happened to one of my favorite plants this spring. A clump of what appeared to be grass was growing in the flower bed close to my door. I have been watching it for several weeks and thought about pulling it up. I could blame distraction and laziness for leaving it there to grow, but there was a nagging thought that prompted a wait-and-see attitude regarding the plant. This week, buds appeared atop tall, straight stems and suddenly I remembered! It was my “Star of David” flower. I was so thankful I had waited.
There have been so many times that experiences have cropped up in my life in the same way. I regard them just like that “clump of grass.” I’m often tempted to disregard, dismiss, or devalue the experience just because I cannot see a beautiful bloom or edible fruit. However, if I am faithful to wait, patient enough to allow it to exist – I may be rewarded by recognizing the value of that experience later.
God wastes nothing. While He may not be the author of a difficulty in our lives, He will always use the hard things to strengthen us, grow us, and prepare us. Whether the experience was birthed out of our own poor choices, the ill will of others, the evil of the enemy, or the discipline of the Father, it may prove valuable and it might even bloom into an opportunity to encourage others!
” Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
James 1:4 (Children’s Living Bible)
The truth is that we may not be able to discern which experiences are weeds and which are valuable plants until they have fully developed. But God always knows. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and not rush to rip them out of our lives. What difficulties are you experiencing right now? Instead of asking for them to be taken away, could you ask God to strengthen you through the suffering and use you to comfort someone else who walks a similar path?
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1: 4
by wendy | Apr 29, 2020 | Encouragement, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
I remember the early days of separation and divorce. Suddenly finding myself a single mom with small children was frightening and I longed for someone who had gone ahead of me – a Christian woman who could tell me what I might expect, listen with an understanding ear, and offer wise advise based on her own experience. While I had a wonderful network of family and friends who offered their love and support, that experienced woman never emerged. There may have been qualified women who could have mentored me, but they never stepped forward to share their stories.
I have found myself in other difficult situations – blending a family and becoming a step-mom, mothering a recovering addict, starting my own business – I could go on and on. Each time, I have longed for a godly woman to share her experiences with me – and sometimes they have. But knowing the loneliness and fear that goes along with difficult journeys, I have made it my mission to share my own experiences so I can walk along with others on similar paths and to equip others to do the same! Here are 5 ways that we can encourage others with our experience:
Reach out to others experiencing a similar difficulty.
Each of us has gone through difficulties. Whether your story includes financial struggle, depression, illness, wayward children, or death of a loved one – your experience is valuable to someone else. Even if the details are not the same, your struggle and survival – along with the testimony of how God brought you though – could be a lifeline to another woman. Experience has taught me that I am quickly able to identify the signs of a woman going through something similar to my previous difficulty. Be alert and compassionate. Offer to share your story. Be willing to pray for others and quick to share how God strengthened and restored you in the midst of your trial.
(note: recovery from trauma takes time – keep proper boundaries for your own health – recognize your limits – keep a healthy support system for yourself at all times)
Reach out to others with similar interests.
Encouragement is not always about something painful. It can be just as powerful to encourage a positive thing in others. One of my favorite ways to encourage others is with their interest in art. I love to offer my appreciation and expertise to people that are sharing their creations. Teaching, sharing tips, answering questions, and affirming are all ways that I can share my experience as an artist to encourage others that love art. Make a point to notice others with similar interests to you and intentionally encourage them in those interests.
Reach out to younger people.
I love mentoring young women – but I didn’t always feel so confident in this. When I was younger I felt inexperienced, when I got older I felt – well, old! But when I have been obedient to step out and invite younger women into relationship the blessings have been amazing. I learn so much from them and it turns out they don’t think I am so old after all. The book, “Becoming a Woman of Influence” by Carol Kent strongly impacted my view of mentoring, and I have used it several times in a small group setting with younger women. Mentoring does not have to be a formal experience – simply take notice of younger women or girls and begin to speak truth and encouragement into their lives.
Reach out to others with less experience.
Mentoring relationships do not have to be based on age. Offer your experience to someone who simply has less experience than you. You will be amazed at how much you will learn from them as you mutually encourage one another. One of my favorite recent examples was when my friend, Kellie, who is a house painter offered her knowledge, tools, and connections to get us started on renovating our rental house. It was reassuring to know we had what we needed to get the job done – and Kellie was only a phone call away when we needed her advise!
Reach out to others that need your skills.
Sometimes the best encouragement is to offer your service. Someone may not have the interest or time to learn your skill but would greatly benefit from you offering to do something for them. We have many friends with amazing skills – and that comes in handy when we are are in need. I am so thankful for friends like that – especially when we can offer our skills in return when they are in a bind! Think about what you have to offer and how you might be able to use your experience to encourage someone this week.
The encouragement of experience offers requires stepping out of our comfort zones, but in the end, whenever we reach out to others – we are reaching the heart of God.
“The king will reply, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Matthew 25:40
by wendy | Apr 29, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships
Even though my days seem to run together lately, they are not lacking for things to keep me busy. My new writing routine, art business, and family are enough to fill my days, but there always seems to be more than I can find time to do.
Recently, I decided to bake Chocolate Chip Cookies to deliver to my youth group as a way to show them that I was thinking of them. When the day arrived to do the baking, I also had a phone meeting scheduled with my prayer partner – so naturally I decided that multi-tasking would be a great idea. I have made Chocolate Chip Cookies so often that surely I would be able to whip those up while I shared my prayer requests with my PIP (partner in prayer).
Unfortunately, distraction and baking don’t mix well and 10 dozen cookies (minus one forgotten cup of flour) found their way into the trash can after each batch emerged from the oven flat and gooey. Not only did I feel frustrated that I had not given all of my attention to my PIP, but I had also wasted precious ingredients.
I waited until the following day to attempt the cookies again, thankful that I had purchased extra supplies, and I set aside the time to focus entirely on my baking. Even though my cookies have turned out successfully many times before, the voice of failure began to creep in. “You can’t bake – those cookies will be a disaster again.”
I silently reminded myself that I was using a tried and true recipe.
“You are wasting time and money,” the voice insisted.
I pushed back with the reminder to myself that I was doing an important thing for the kids.
“Who do you think you are? This is a silly idea.”
I turned my thoughts to memories of people enjoying my baking in the past. It was hard though – failure and fear were ringing loud in my ears – and it wasn’t the first time. I truly had to use memories of success and trust in the recipe and ingredients to shore up my courage to follow through. No one would have known if I had quit, but I am so glad I didn’t pass up the opportunity to encourage my youth with a sweet treat because of my own discouragement.
Once the cookies (that turned out perfectly by the way) were delivered to the kids, I had an opportunity to think about the whole experience. I realized how often I allow the voice of fear and failure to deter me from encouraging others.
Reject the Resistance – Remember the Recipe
In case you forgot – or maybe you don’t know – let me remind us (I need the reminder too) that the devil prowls around actually looking for someone to pick on (1 Peter 5:8). That might not sound like good news, but it is good to know. Resistance is normal – it is to be expected – but the real good news is that we don’t have to bend to that resistance. James 4:7 tells us that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us. The trick is to remember the recipe (or the directions that God gives us for resisting the devil).
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
In Philippians, Paul gives us a recipe – a list of things to think about instead of the thoughts the enemy would like us to have. He tells us to filter our thoughts by identifying whether or not they are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or praiseworthy – and then he promises that God will give us peace (Philippians 4:8-9).
Reject the Rebuke – Remember the Reason
In the midst of fighting off the rebuke of the enemy, it is helpful to remember that Satan is known as the accuser (Revelation 12:10) and John 8:44 tells us that the devil is the father of lies. If we can remember that the voice in our heads -the one telling us that we are not enough and calling us a failure – that voice is a liar and his intention is to derail, distract, and disrupt the Kingdom of God. We must learn to identify that voice and reject the lies!
“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called, ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13
Whenever we are tempted to give in to the lie the enemy is trying to use against us, we need to remember the reason why we are doing what we do. Matthew 5:16 tell us to let our lights shine so others will see the glory of God.
Reject the Rejection – Remember the Reward
When we feel rejected, let’s turn the enemy’s game right back on him by reminding ourselves that God says we are chosen, loved, blessed, and called, and no one – not even me – can separate me from that love.
In light of this love, we must press on in our encouragement. Never give up my friend – the reward is very great!
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:18-19
by wendy | Apr 23, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Prayer, Trusting God
“Things Above” Artwork by Wendy Custer www.cornercopiafarmandstudio.com
Why is it that my mind never chooses peace? Instead, it chooses to think the worst, wrestle with fear and doubt, and grasp for control. Peace does not come naturally – I must pursue it!
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6
Paul uses the word govern to describe 2 mindsets – the mind set on the flesh (self, human nature, sinful desires) and the mind set on the Spirit (godly thinking). Where we choose to focus, there will our thoughts follow. James 4 tells us that fights and quarrels among people comes from the desires that battle within us, so it should not surprise us that those desires also keep peace from our minds.
The key to pursuing peace is to choose which mindset I will allow to govern or rule in my mind. In Colossians we are told to “Set your minds on things above.” (v. 2) and to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (v. 15) Both of these directions begin with words that imply it is up to us to change our minds, but this change requires divine intervention and the power of God.
How can we pursue this power?
First Pray
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Instead of submitting to anxiety, we submit our thoughts and concerns to God, inviting Him to intervene with His power and peace. This is a choice – an action designed to turn us from the powerlessness of ourselves to placing our trust in the all-powerful God. In response to this trust, God gives us His peace – confidence in His power and rest for our anxious minds.
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
Second Change what you think about.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Once we have submitted our thoughts to God in prayer and He has given us peace, we have another step to follow. We must change our minds by moving our focus from fear to faith. When we choose to partner with him through prayer, He will stand guard and keep the anxious thoughts from sabotaging our peace, but we must continue to partner with Him – not allowing those thoughts to sneak in the back door. We must be steadfast to walk in that trust.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
A steadfast mind chooses to return to God over and over, trusting that He can do all He says He will do. This takes practice – training our minds to to think godly thoughts – preaching to ourselves. And when we train, we become strong.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
Peace can prevail in our minds when we continually turn to prayer and change our focus. Trouble will continue to come, difficulty will always find us, but Peace wins out when we trust in the Lord and never cease to pray.
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken … They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.”
Psalm 112:6-8
by wendy | Apr 22, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Prayer, Tips for Encouraging Others
As I was searching the Bible this week for examples of people being strengthened in the Lord, I stumbled across a passage that seems like hidden treasure to me. 1 Samuel 23 tells about David hiding from Saul. Though David never lost faith, he was struggling with fear and discouragement as we all do from time to time – especially in the face of difficulty or danger. Jonathan, the son of David’s enemy, risked life and the favor of his father to go to his friend in time of need. The passage says that Jonathan, “went to David and helped him find strength in God.”
Friends, this should always be our goal in encouraging others. We should not encourage people to find strength in themselves, their circumstances, other people, or in us – true encouragement is to find strength in God alone. David later echoed this same sentiment in one of his Psalms.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD.”
Psalm 20:7
When we offer the encouragement of prayer, we are helping to strengthen others in God as Jonathon did. When we lift up the concerns of our friends, we are acknowledging the power of God to answer those prayers. When we pray with someone, we are bringing them to the feet of Jesus to find comfort and healing and help. When we ask the discouraged how we can pray for them, we are bearing witness to our faith and trust in His compassion and sovereignty.
Prayer is seen as intensely personal to some, difficult and uncomfortable to others – but Prayer is also a form of encouragement that we can offer to those we don’t even know. Here are some practical ideas for putting the encouragement of prayer into practice with our friends and family as well as strangers on the street.
Make a prayer strategy:
Write down the names of people you intend to pray for intentionally. This could be on a sheet of paper or in a journal. Keep a record of the things you pray for and when they are answered. I make an index card each year for each of my family members. I write the year and the things I am praying for on the cards and make notes through the year of how they are answered. I keep the cards in a photo album and add the new year on top of the last. I can flip through the album as I pray and sometimes take out the previous cards to be reminded of God’s work in their lives throughout the years. I have also used prayer Apps like Echo to keep a list of people to pray for.
Pray as you go:
Pray immediately when your path intersects with a discouraged person. Sometimes I lift those prayers silently, but whenever possible I ask if I can pray with a person immediately. Stopping to pray on the spot ensures that I do not just say, “I will pray for you.” but then forget to do so, and it also encourages the heart of the person I am praying for at that very moment. It may seem uncomfortable to do this at first, but I am always blessed by the encouragement the person receives.
Send a note or message:
I can certainly pray for others without ever letting them know, but it is very encouraging to know that someone is praying for you. A confirmation of this prayer in writing encourages the recipient immediately and serves as a reminder later as well.
Ask how you can pray specifically:
I have been amazed at the responses I get when I ask this question. Many people pause and reflect as though it might be their one opportunity to answer. Some have remarked that they have never been asked the question before. A few have said they don’t need prayer or that I should save the prayer for someone who might need it more. Regardless of their answer, I still pray for them, but I find that the thought that I might actually care enough to ask is encouraging itself. The question is important and valuable and often opens the door to more opportunities for encouragement.
Partner in prayer:
In the last year, a friend offered to partner with me in prayer over a concern in my family. We agreed to meet – by phone – to talk and pray together. After the first meeting, she asked if we could make an appointment to pray together on a regular basis. We quickly expanded our partnership to praying for both of our families, and we have been amazed and grateful at the work we have seen God do in our lives. At first, I assumed this was a ministry my friend had offered to many people throughout the years, but I was astounded to discover that this was the first time she had partnered in prayer this way. We have both been so blessed by this time together and we continue to strengthen each other in the Lord.
Form a Prayer Group:
I once painted in a home where a lady met with a small group of women from her church to pray every week. They asked for the congregation to submit prayer requests to them weekly and they committed to lifting them to God together. These women poured their hearts out week after week for each other, for their families, and for their church.
Whether you choose to pray in person with someone or silently offer prayers on their behalf, practicing the encouragement of prayer is something we all can and should do regularly.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be make for all people.”
1 Timothy 2:1
